Author's note: Well, here is a little fun to lighten the mood a wee bit since Edmund will be leaving for Beruna soon and the war will begin. And don't forget which special visitors are arriving today! Enjoy!

Oh, and in the beginning of the story, I forgot to mention the ages of everyone. So here you go!

Susan – 26; Edmund – 24; Cor – 14; Corin – 14; Aravis – 13.

And yes, Cor, Corin and Aravis aren't just showing up because I wanted to add them. There is an important reason for them to be at Cair Paravel. More than what Edmund mentioned in the last chapter.

Chapter 7 – Secrets in the Stable

A smile spread across her face and the wind whipped at her hair, pulling strands from her long braid. Susan gave a bright laugh and glanced up at Edmund standing beside her. His smile was less enthusiastic and his eyes still troubled but in his heart he was relieved to see the procession winding through the streets of Cair Paravel.

Susan scanned every horseman drawing near for the blond rascal she was searching for. Soon she could see a dappled pony break away for the others and fly towards the castle gate. Susan threw Edmund a quick smile before darting down the stairs of the tower. She reached the courtyard just as the gates opened and the stout pony galloped in. The rider reigned up beside her and slid off.

"Corin!" Susan exclaimed. He met her with a wide smile and blond hair ruffled by the wind. She pulled him into a tight embrace and pressed a motherly kiss into his hair.

"It's been a long time, Queen Susan," Corin announced.

"Far too long, Corin," Susan agreed. "But where is your brother?"

"Cor and Aravis were riding too slowly for my taste," Corin replied.

Susan smiled and studied the lanky boy before her. "Why Corin! I do believe that you have grown!" she teased.

"Aye," he agreed. "Father says that I am nearly as tall as he was at my age. Cor is taller yet." As they spoke, the rest of the assembly arrived at the castle. Another boy, nearly identical to Corin (except for the fact that he was taller), dismounted and made his way towards his brother and Susan.

"Cor!" Susan gave him a warm smile. "And Aravis!" She added the last part when she noticed the dark-haired girl sliding off her mare. Aravis smiled somewhat shyly. She was a good deal shorter than either of the brothers and her tan skin gleamed under the bright sun.

"Good morning, friends!" Edmund greeted loudly as he arrived.

"King Edmund!" Corin exclaimed. "You missed the Spring feast last month that Father hosted at our castle."

"Yes," Edmund replied. "I regretted having to be absent, but my presence was required in Doorn."

"Doorn?" Corin questioned. "Where is that?"

"Have you not been paying attention in geography lessons, Corin?" remarked Cor. "It is the most prominent of the Lone Islands." Corin ducked away with a sheepish smile. Aravis had said nothing.

"You seem quite weary, Aravis, dear," Susan remarked. "Would you like to rest and freshen up before tea?"

"Yes, please," Aravis answered enthusiastically.

Susan smiled. "I'll show you to your room." She led Aravis up to the large doors of the castle and soon they were out of sight.

Edmund turned to the twins. "Do you also wish to rest, or would you rather take a stroll to the stables? I have business to attend to and thought that perhaps we could visit on our way there." Cor and Corin readily agreed and soon they were on their way.

After showing Aravis to her room, Susan retired to her own room. Behind the closed door, her smile faded and she felt the heavy burden settle upon her shoulders once again. She gently sat down on her bed and leaned her head heavily against the bedpost. So much was happening. As much as she loved their guests, she wasn't sure if she was quite ready to host company yet.

Cor's young face flashed through her mind and she was reminded of Peter at a younger age. The thought brought many adventures floating back and soon Susan felt tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. She missed them so much. How could she and Edmund ever survive without their siblings?

There was a sharp knock on her door and Susan quickly dried her eyes with her handkerchief.

"Yes?"

"Queen Susan?"

Susan hurried to answer the door. Lord Peridan stood outside.

"Queen Susan, there is a messenger here for your brother. Do you know where he is?"

"No, I have not seen him since our guests arrived," Susan replied. "Is it important? Perhaps I can see to it."

"Thank you, my queen," Lord Peridan answered. "I do not know what the message is, but he says he will deliver it only to King Edmund. However, I have been unable to find the King."

"Perhaps he took the princes to the stable," suggested Susan.

"Then I shall seek him there. My queen." Lord Peridan bowed and soon disappeared down the hallway. Susan closed the door after him. She hurried to the mirror hanging above the fireplace and tucked her loose strands of hair into place before wrapping her shawl around her shoulders. Then she slipped out of her room.

"Where does this lead to?" Corin asked curiously as he peered up the wooden ladder.

Edmund smiled. "It is merely the hayloft. No secrets." Corin looked a little disappointed. "However," Edmund continued with a twinkle in his eyes, "it has been said that there once was an outlaw who hid in here for a few days."

Corin grinned and began to scramble up the ladder. "Come on, Cor!"

Edmund laughed and clapped Cor on the shoulder. "Watch out for your brother," he instructed.

"Yes, sir," Cor agreed as he began to climb up after his brother, though less enthusiastically.

"King Edmund!"

Edmund turned around as he saw Lord Peridan hurrying towards him accompanied by a Hawk. "Lord Peridan!" Edmund greeted as he strode forward to meet them. "Who is our guest?"

"I am Redwing, my King," answered the Hawk as he settled on a bale of hay. "I bring a message of great importance."

Edmund frowned. "Is it more death and bloodshed?"

"Fortunately no, my king," Redwing answered. "Your scouts have been spying along the border and some have even dared to sneak into Telmar itself. Two days ago, another Bird and I discovered a rather large camp of Telmarine soldiers some six days' march from the Pass. They were heavily armed and from the smoke of the campfires in the distance, I would assume that more are on their way. We could not risk further investigation as it would lead to our discovery. That is all."

"Thank you, Redwing," Edmund replied as his brow knit in concentration. But as Edmund planned for the war, Cor and Corin's thoughts were far from battle as they explored the hayloft.

"Nothing but straw." Corin kicked at it in disgust. Cor didn't answer. He was peering out the little octagon window cut into the wall. He thought he saw someone walking along the path to the barn, but the corner of the barn soon hid that figure from sight.

"Cor!" Corin exclaimed. Cor turned away from the window. "Look at this!" Corin pointed excitedly to the floor. Cor hurried over to him and knelt down. "Is it blood?" Corin asked.

Cor inspected the spot. "Corin, it's not blood. It's just old mud."

Corin sighed. "I thought perhaps the outlaw had been injured in an epic fight with the knights and then climbed up here to hide." Corin kicked at the straw again and this time some fell over the edge. There was a squeal of surprise from below.

Quickly, Cor peered over the edge before gasping and turning to his brother. "That was Queen Susan!"

"Oops." Corin smiled apologetically.

Upon hearing Susan's scream, Edmund and Lord Peridan came rushing forward with swords drawn.

"What is happening?" Edmund demanded. Susan turned around, her eyes burning angrily. Straw stuck in her hair and dust was sprinkled down the front of her white dress. The look on her face was enough to cause Edmund to begin to laughing. She glared at him all the more.

"Come on, Su," he laughed. "You have to admit that it was funny."

"It was not funny!" she exclaimed.

"You look like a goat," Corin laughed as he peered over the edge at them.

"Corin!" Edmund exclaimed. "Get down here, young man!" Corin's head disappeared and they could hear scuffling.

"Let go of me, Cor!"

"Corin, enough!"

"Let me go or I'll hit you!"

"Alright." Cor released his grip and Corin went reeling backwards towards the ladder. Susan let out a gasp. For a moment, Edmund thought Corin would fall over the edge and end up in a bloody heap, but Cor caught him by the wrist and pulled him away from the edge. The two brothers stood frozen for a moment, but Cor gave a quick nod and it was broken. Corin scrambled down the ladder to stand in front of Edmund. He hung his head, a guilty expression playing on his face.

"Corin, did you know that Susan was walking below?" Edmund questioned.

"No, sir," Corin replied very quietly. Edmund glanced at Cor who was just reaching the end of the ladder.

"We honestly didn't know Queen Susan was there until we heard her scream," Cor added.

"Alright, I believe you," Edmund agreed. "Susan, it was merely an accident." Susan's face began to turn very red. "Are you ill?" Edmund asked in confusion. Susan couldn't hold it in anymore and began laughing.

"A goat, eh, Corin? I am such a silly girl!" she laughed as she wiped tears from the corners of her eyes. "Screaming when hay fell on my head. I've been in battle before and never screamed like that." Edmund began to laugh too and soon Cor and Lord Peridan joined him. Corin flushed a deep red and wished he could sink into the ground and hide.

"A wonderful mistake, Corin," Susan announced. She extended her hand to him. "No grudges?"

"Alright," Corin agreed slowly as he took her hand.

"What would we do without you and your mishaps, Corin?" asked Edmund.

"Life would be very dreary," Susan agreed. And Corin beamed as bright as the sun rising over the Eastern Ocean.

Author's note: This will be my last chapter during Christmas because things will be very busy. I have decided to attempt (notice I say attempt) not to write during my week or so off but we shall see how that goes. Anyway, I won't be updating for a little bit but I shall continue to reply to your reviews and PMs during this time. :) Enjoy your Christmas holiday! When I return, Edmund shall be departing for war and the first blows shall be exchanged. Stay tuned and remember the reason for this Christmas season. Merry CHRISTmas :)